Band: The Freedom Affair

The Freedom Affair is a 9 piece soul juggernaut from Kansas City, MO led by three powerhouse vocalists, Paula Saunders, Misha Roberts, and Seyko Groves. Born out of a meeting between Chris Hazelton and Dave Brick, The Freedom Affair formed in 2017 with a vision to write original soul music inspired by the traditions of the genre’s past with a universal message looking toward the future.

DJ Miss E, DJ Ice Kole, DJ 9Eleven

We have three fabulous women DJs spinning tonight: DJ Miss E (Dyani Kaya-Alaula Eaton), DJ 9Eleven (Charmaine Thagod Letcher), DJ Ice Kole (Nikol Straws).

DJ Miss E: Raised in AZ, moved to KC for love, & married my husband who taught me what I know. I’m a mom, a wife, and a dj!

DJ 9Eleven: TBD

DJ Ice Kole: As one half of the country’s top husband & wife DJ team alongside DJ Joe, Nikol has traveled across the country and performed with the likes of Toby Keith, David Niall, Lipstick Mafia & Johnny Good and the Triple O’s among many other acts. A multiple level game-changer in the entertainment industry, Nikol not only models, but she is also an actress, a poet/lyricist, a dancer, a magazine editor-in-chief AND an accomplished DJ.

#MusicMeetsTheModel

Pop-Up Fashion Show: Heartland International Fashion Week

Get a sneak peek of Heartland International Fashion Week’s first season as they prepare to the hit the runway May 12-16th! Featuring a fashion lineup with a global inspiration, cheer on the designers and models.

Photo Op with Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Snap a selfie or grab a group photo and pay homage to the “Notorious RBG”!
Stop by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City table for a photo in celebration of the ratification of the 19th amendment and enter a raffle drawing to win tickets to the Kansas City debut of The Shining.

Artist Demo: Vania Soto

Kansas City Local artist V. Soto was born in Juarez, Mexico and began selling paintings at age 13. Inspired by proud cultural icons such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, she connects with her by heritage by maintaining influential traditions from this rich past.

Building on this theme, Day of the Dead symbolism is prevalent in her work, again as a way of connecting to the longstanding customs of her family and community and expressing its beauty through art.

Her main media is acrylics and she also works in mixed media. She describes her work as realism with a pop of surrealism.

Beer Tasting: 4 Hands Brewing Company

Since opening in 2011, 4 Hands Brewing Company has been making waves in the world of craft beer with offerings that push the envelope of creativity while remaining accessible to any beer lover. With a 20,000-square-brewing facility in St. Louis, Missouri, 4 Hands brews an impressive portfolio of complex yet drinkable beers.

Join 4 Hands Brewing Company for a tasting of several of their beers, including their City Wide American Pale Ale. A portion of sales from every City Wide sold in Kansas City is donated back to the Nelson-Atkins so support regional beer and your favorite local art museum!

$5 cash or card. 21+ only (must show your ID at the door to Lens 2). Quantities limited. First come, first served.

Gallery Moment

Explore works in our collections through the lens of Women’s History Month.

Community Spotlight: League of Women Voters

In 1920 the League of Women Voters was founded before the 19th amendment was ratified that year on August 22. The League began as a “mighty political experiment” designed to help (then) 20 million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters. Several state and local races have been decided by one or two voters, which shows the importance of each and every voter voting.

The organization continues its primary mission of educating and informing citizens by registering voters at schools and public events; holding candidate forums; producing a voters guide available online at Vote411.org; educating members on local, state and national issues and encouraging voter turnout. Check out their table for more info and if your voter registration needs to be updated (for those who have moved or changed their name).

Drop-in Art Activity: Frida Kahlo Paint by Numbers by Vania Soto

Designed by local artist, Vania Soto, follow the numbers and create your own Frida Kahlo portrait! Pulling from Kahlo’s storied life as a feminist, political activist, and one of Mexico’s greatest artists, choose from the blue palette symbolizing her life’s adversities, or green celebrating her bisexuality.

Radio Station Prize Pack Giveaway

Some lucky Third Thursday winner will win an awesome prize pack from 96.5 The Buzz!

Visit their table in Bloch Lobby for a chance to win!

Queen Nefertari: Eternal Egypt

She was known as The One for Whom the Sun Shines. Discover the celebrated Queen Nefertari, the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Experience the magnificence of royal palaces and tombs, including Nefertari’s burial chamber, considered one of the greatest artistic achievements in the Valley of the Queens. Explore the daily life of the village where tomb builders and artisans lived, worked and worshipped more than 3,000 years ago.

Drawn from the world-renowned Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy, the exhibition will bring together works that present the richness of life in ancient Egypt, focusing on the role of women—goddesses, queens, and commoners.

$18/person. Member discounts apply.

Beverages and Small Plates

Enjoy small plates, a full bar and an artful experience!